CVE-2021-0516
📋 TL;DR
This critical Android vulnerability allows attackers to remotely execute code and gain elevated privileges on affected devices without user interaction. It affects Android devices running versions 8.1 through 11 due to a memory corruption flaw in the Wi-Fi Direct (p2p) subsystem.
💻 Affected Systems
- Android
📦 What is this software?
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
Android by Google
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with system privileges, potentially installing persistent malware or accessing sensitive data.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to device takeover, data theft, or ransomware deployment on vulnerable devices.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if devices are patched, isolated from untrusted networks, or have Wi-Fi Direct disabled.
🎯 Exploit Status
No public proof-of-concept available, but the high CVSS score and remote unauthenticated nature make weaponization likely by sophisticated attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Android Security Patch Level 2021-06-01 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2021-06-01
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System > Advanced > System update. 2. Install the June 2021 Android security patch or later. 3. Reboot device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Wi-Fi Direct
androidTurn off Wi-Fi Direct functionality to prevent exploitation via the vulnerable p2p component.
Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Direct > Turn off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment vulnerable devices on isolated network segments away from untrusted networks
- Implement network monitoring for suspicious Wi-Fi Direct connection attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Android version and security patch level in Settings > About phone > Android version and Security patch level.Check Version:
adb shell getprop ro.build.version.security_patchVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Security patch level shows 'June 1, 2021' or later date in Settings > About phone.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Wi-Fi Direct connection attempts
- Crash logs from p2p_pd.c or related Wi-Fi services
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious Wi-Fi Direct discovery packets from unknown sources
- Unexpected peer-to-peer connection attempts
SIEM Query:
source="android_logs" AND (process="p2p" OR process="wpa_supplicant") AND (event="crash" OR event="segfault")